‘Supernova’ (review)

Produced by Tristan Golighe, Emily Morgan
Written and Directed by Harry Macqueen
Starring Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci,
James Dreyfus, Pippa Haywood,
Sarah Woodward

Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci give career-best performances as musician Sam and novelist Tusker, partners of 20 years who go on a road trip which may very well be Tusker’s last in this moving drama. It’s a tear-jerking but subtly told story that earns its pathos with the authenticity and depth of the performances. We absolutely believe in these two characters and their love for each other as they face Tusker’s approaching decline.

Two years after receiving a diagnosis of early onset dementia, Tusker is starting to feel like he’s losing control, while Sam is pretending nothing has changed, although he’s having to step in and help Tusker with more suddenly challenging tasks like buttoning his shirt.

Tusker’s crabbiness and quick wit cover the fact that he’s having trouble finding the right words at times and scared of what comes next.

With their dog and their RV, they tour England’s Lake District, revisiting the spot where they first met.

In one of the film’s most emotional scenes, Tusker announces at dinner with Sam’s sister that he’s going to give a speech, then finds he’s not able to read what he’s written. He hands Sam the speech. Sam reads it aloud, pausing for the funnier lines to get the expected laugh from the assembled friends and family. And then Sam chokes up when he reaches the passage about how much he means to Tusker.

It’s a very subdued film – entire scenes roll by with no dialogue – that settles into the rhythms of this loving, sometimes quarrelsome couple as they explore their past and the time they have left together.

They argue over what Tusker’s future should be: Sam wants to care for him no matter what, but Tusker fears being a burden.

There’s a world of pain in Tucci’s wry smile as Firth reads, “There will come a time when I’ll probably forget who’s doing the forgetting,” from Tusker’s speech.

And when Sam’s sister tells Tusker, “You’re still you,” he sadly replies, “No, I’m not. I just look like him.”

Firth, as the partner who’s trying to hold it all together despite everything, will break your heart.

The film ends on a quietly devastating note that resists being overly dramatic.

The gorgeous, cello-laden score is by Keaton Henson.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars